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Penguin Plunge coming up
February 28, 2018
by Michael Meier
Boundary County Idaho
Director of Emergency Management
Public Information Officer

Once again it is “Freezin for a Reason” time. Penguin Plunge 2018, set for Saturday, March 17, is an event that supports Special Olympics, and is simply a lot of fun to watch. Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer has promised the icy bits in the Kootenai River will be small.

Support for this year’s Penguin Plunge includes a fabulous group of judges, including U.S. Olympic athlete Rebecca Dussault, a cross country skier who competed in the 2006 Olympic Games in Italy, and in 2010 was a World Champion. Other judges include Boundary County Commissioner Dan Dinning, Dennis Dinning (Dinning Duo), Kootenai Tribe Chair Gary Aitken, Jr., and Bonners Ferry City Council President Rick Alonzo. Other possible judges may be announced at a later date.

Teams will be participating from various groups, including Distinguished Young Women, student groups, fire and rescue, first responders, faith-based groups, and others will be competing to impress the judges for the coveted awards and certificates that will be available in several categories.

Officer Richard Cowell will be at Super 1 Grocery on March 9 and 10 with some help from the Law Enforcement Explorer Post #190, selling 50/50 drawing Penguins. If your Penguin is plucked out of a pool of water at the event, you win half of the drawing funds.

North Idaho Spas will provide a nice big hot tub for the plungers to dip in and warm up after their chilly jump.

Helping Hands from Naples will be serving up hotdogs and chilidogs along with other snacks and hot coffee to help keep things warm. We appreciate the businesses that have contributed toward food for the event.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide a table with handouts about safe boating. Anita Denning will host a silent auction table with various donated items for attendees to explore and bid on.

Music, fun, and frolic at the festivities start with the 11:00 a.m. signup. Jumpers and judges will be interviewed in teams and as singles—that is always a hoot—followed by the Official Penguin Plunge at noon. The Sheriff’s jet boat with divers and Search and Rescue volunteers will be on hand to assist anyone who might need help in the water.

Come out and support Special Olympics and the community as a jumper, or as a spectator. Let’s make 2018 “Freezin' for a Reason” an event to remember. What a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Put on some green and come join us.
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